On 30 June 2021, the High Court of Namibia delivered its judgement on the validity of Namibia Marine Phosphate’s (NMP) Mining Licence. The judgement ruled that NMP’s Mining Licence is indeed valid, as granted:

“Namibian Marine Phosphate (Pty) Limited’s (“NMP”) Mining Licence ML170 and the rights conferred to NMP thereunder are not affected by the findings of the court and remains valid. The High Court declined to declare ML170 invalid.”

The Chamber supports this outcome as a positive, and very necessary step, to ensure the further development of marine phosphate mining and confirmation for international investors in Namibia and its legal system. It also signals a clear directive to Government to officially pronounce themselves on the expired moratorium placed (notably not gazetted) on the issuing and renewal of licences and environmental clearances for marine phosphate. It is therefore the Chamber’s position that licencing activity for marine phosphate mining can once again be resumed under the presiding Law and Legislation.

The Chamber is hopeful that this outcome will fast track the development of marine phosphate mining, which, as we strongly believe, will enable further much needed and crucial growth of the mining sector. In turn, this will lead to the expansion of Namibia’s economy, create new jobs, and further contribute to the Nation’s industrialisation objectives, through the production of fertiliser and animal feed from marine phosphate. By unlocking the marine phosphate resources and establishing a marine phosphate-based fertiliser industry, this geological endowment can benefit all Namibians.

For more information on the potential socio-econonic benefits of marine phosphate minining, click below to read the following artciles: